Church is more than just a building; it's about people. Here at Pioneer Memorial Church, on the campus of Andrews University, we believe in helping transform this generation to be more like Jesus through 4 steps: Connect, Grow, Serve, Go.

Giving is a key part of worship here at Pioneer. As part of our weekly worship service, we collect tithes and offering. In addition, we also provide three online options to help you support our global denomination as well as our local church.

Renovation Updates

Some things we don't get to see but will help us to see. This year it was clear the electrical wiring powering our lights were due for an update. We contracted a commercial company that has done an exceptional job adding quality and longevity to the scope of this renovation. This week began the installation of the lights powered by the hidden power lines AND, shingles were installed on the north side of the roof.

Shingles have begun to be installed on the north side of the Sanctuary roof.

Lighting continues to be installed and pipes are being cleaned and reinstalled.

New under balcony lights have been installed to provide brighter illumination of the space.

JULY 18, 2019

Nearly all the sanctuary roof has the venting and insulation installed. Inside the platform wood floor has been refinished. The new pews continue to be assembled and installed. Continue prayers for weather and delivery of materials.

Removable chairs will be an addition in some areas of the church for a variety of needs.

Many of the pews have been installed now in the balcony.

The platform has been refinished, and pews are being installed. All tile has been installed under the pews now.

JUNE 26, 2019

This week the cornices, which will house the new acoustical banners and lights, are being installed. Banners will help manage the movement of sound in our worship space. Lights will provide a more inviting atmosphere. A new, winder trim is also being installed along the walls.

New chair rail trim being installed.

Cornices attached and ready to house the acoustic banners and lights.

Cornices attached and ready to house the acoustic banners and lights.

MAY 31, 2019

Scaffolding went up in the balcony on Tuesday, May 28, along with a Genie lift that can be used to reach the highest points in the church. Contractors are currently continuing work inside and out (pending weather conditions). Electricians are ahead of schedule and now waiting for fixtures to arrive and be installed. All the tile and carpet has been removed. This coming week the floor will be prepped and starting in another week, installation of the tile will begin. We are now ready for stain and painting of some of the new features being installed. A new ceiling, acommpanied by new lighting, will follow construction crews in the Narthex. A new glass wall is being installed between the Narthex and Sanctuary, among other features, keep our project on target for our arrival in the fall.

MAY 15, 2019

This week workers have continued indoor electrical work as the rains have continued. Below is a 360 photo of the space as it continues to be worked on. Current flooring is now being removed and with clearer days in front of us, work continues on the roof.

Today a group of volunteers disassembled and removed pews from the sanctuary in a period of 12 hours. 2 area churches took a small group of pews for their own churches. We're thankful to all the many volunteers to chose to make us part of their day!

A view of the pews, just before volunteers began their work.

A final look at the floor, now ready to be prepped for new carpet and tile.

April 29, 2019

Over the past 3 weeks the north side of the Sanctuary roof has been under construction. The roofers do a several feet wide section in a day. This includes removal of the shingles, insulation, sheathing, and then adding an ice shield (the white plastic-looking covering). Below is a short time lapse of work on one of the sections. Work has now begun on the south side of the roof and will continue this week, weather permitting.

APRIL 2, 2019

Today the roofers continued preparations for the roof portion of our project. They will soon begin tearing off shingles on the north side of the Sanctuary.

A peek through one of the trees outside the church reveals work platforms as the roof work begins.

MARCH 29, 2019

This week we began preparations for work to be done on our roof. Because of how our chandeliers are attached, we will need to remove them by the time work begins on April 1. On Tuesday, March 26, 2 chandeliers from above the platform were brought down as well as the 4 balcony chandeliers. For the month of April, temporary lighting will be brought in as we continue to worship in the space. Plans are still to move to the Howard Performing Arts Center for worship and meet for the first time in that space on May 11.

March 26, 2019

The following Renovate Relocation Plan will help keep you safe and updated as our renovation project continues. As the timeline for some of these items is progressive, we continue to provide regular updates on this page.

- EFFECTIVE MAY 6, 2019 -

Temporary Worship Location
Starting May 11, the Sabbath following graduation, we will meet for worship at the Howard Performing Arts Center (HPAC). We will continue to meet there until the project is completed at the end of the summer. All worship start times remain the same and we will continue to livestream our 11:45 AM worship service on Facebook and at www.pmchurch.org.

Birth – Youth Sabbath Schools
Children's divisions, Earliteen, and Youth Sabbath Schools will continue to meet at the church. First service will end promptly to ensure adequate time to get from there to the church if you are walking or dropping off. In turn, Sabbath Schools will conclude on-time to ensure families can get to HPAC for second service.

Sanctuary Sabbath School Locations
Most of the classes will take a turn leading out in the lesson discussion. Several microphones will be available for members' participation and interaction. However, the French, the Portuguese and the Yugoslavian classes will meet in the HPAC lobby. Sabbath School leaders will be in the HPAC lobby to respond to your questions or concerns.

Exterior Safety and Parking
Please observe and respect all posted signage related to construction areas on the exterior property. Parking lots will remain open near the church as well as at HPAC. Chan Shun Hall, Seminary, and street parking may be used as overflow locations. Weather permitting we encourage walking to reduce traffic between the church and the HPAC.

Closed Areas of the Church Building
For your safety, please observe and respect all posted signage related to closed areas of the church. Effective May 6, these areas will include the Balcony, Narthex, and stairs leading to the Narthex. As construction proceeds, additional areas of the church may be temporarily closed. There will be no access to the ramp at the East side (front) of the church.

Open Areas of the Church Building
Church offices will remain open during business hours throughout most of the project. Bathrooms on both wings and near the lower level Welcome Center will remain open. The Commons, Board Room, and Kitchen areas will likely remain open. Please note that for most special events the Youth Chapel will remain available. During the summer if you have any meetings or special events at the church, please confirm your reservation with Lailane Legoh, Facilities Coordinator at legoh@pmchurch.org or call 269.471.3133.

Graduations
Andrews Academy graduation will take place in the Howard Performing Arts Center. According to the current construction schedule, Andrews University summer graduation will take place in the Howard Performing Arts Center.

Fellowship Dinners
We will continue to have fellowship dinners scheduled various weeks through the summer.

We hope this information has been helpful and keeps you safe and informed. For the most updated information regarding construction, safety, and use of the church, please return to this page. If your question isn't answered here, you may also email renovate@pmchurch.org or call the church office at 269.471.3133.

March 25, 2019

Today scaffolding arrived in preparation for our April 1 target start date to begin work on the roof.

Areas of the PMC parking lot may be closed throughout the project to make space for supplies and equipment.

Scaffolding begins to be set up on the south side of the sanctuary.

A worker tightens two pieces of scaffolding.

Scaffolding begins to be set up on the south side of the sanctuary.

March 20, 2019

Pioneer Memorial Church is pleased to announce the beginning of its renovation project! You will soon start to see construction traffic and work being done to our roof. Our goal is to complete the project by the start of the fall school semester. In order to accomplish this our timeline needed to be adjusted. Starting Monday, March 25, scaffolding will begin to be assembled on the north and south sides of the church. Roof work will begin on or around April 1. For your safety, please observe all posted signage related to construction areas. For the most updated information regarding construction, safety, and use of the church, please return to this page. If your question isn’t answered here, you may also email renovate@pmchurch.org or call the church office at 269-471-3133.